Bushy Park Staff PTA Newsletter
Leading with Kindness | November 27, 2019
We are Thankful
On behalf of the PTA leadership and families, we are thankful for you. Bushy Park's staff is what makes the kids excited about school, skip into your arms for a hug or fist-bump and inspires them to strive to be the best Bushy Bears they can be.
Your kindness is the heart of Busy Park.
I would like to cordially invite you and your families to our upcoming Winter Potluck with musical guest, Damon Foreman -- Monday, December 9th, 6:30-8:30pm. Our eldest son Sebastian (8th grader at Glenwood Middle) will be playing the piano while Mr. Foreman takes set breaks (humble brag). Please find more information on this memorable evening below and RSVP by December 4th.
If I haven't made it abundantly clear before, please know that you and your families are welcome at every PTA sponsored event -- no exceptions. PTA membership is encouraged, but not required. You can quote me on that.
In addition to our service partnership with People Who Need People (PWNP), the PTA is also promoting Blessings in a Backpack for Running Brook Elementary in Columbia, Maryland. Please find more information about that effort below.
We hope you have a restful Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you after the break.
Warm Regards,
Randee
PWNP December: From our Kitchen with Love
We are excited to announce our December PWNP initiative, "From our Kitchen with Love."
Our Community Service Partner People Who Need People (PWNP) is collecting frozen home-made casseroles at Bushy Park on Monday, December 16th, 8:30-9:30am.
Recipes
We are asking that you choose from the following three recipes:
Container
Please use a disposable 1/2 size aluminum pan (steam table pan).
Labeling
Please label your casseroles with the type AND date prepared.
Freezing
"Prepare the dish that you want to freeze. Spray your disposable aluminum pan with cooking spray so your food will not stick.
Place your prepared food into the disposable aluminum pan. Pack the container almost to the top, leaving enough room for expansion but not so much that ice crystals will have room to form. About 1/2 inch of space at the top of your pan is ideal.
Cover the pan with the matching lid or with a layer of aluminum foil. Ensure the pan is covered tightly and securely to prevent freezer burn."
Source: https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-freeze-in-disposable-aluminum-pans/
PWNP is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2006 to serve the needs of women and children who are homeless by partnering with established charities in Maryland. For more information, please visit https://www.pwnp.org.
PWNP November: Share the Warmth Update
Running Brook Elementary: Blessings in a Backpack
From our friends at Running Brook Elementary in Columbia, Maryland -- Please share as appropriate:
"I hope this email finds you well as we approach this holiday season. Running Brook Elementary is a Title 1 school that has a large Free and Reduced Meal program population. Over half of our students rely on eating breakfast and lunch at school 5 days a week.
Each weekend we send a bag with kid friendly snacks and entrees to ensure that our students have food over the weekend. The kids love the snacks and our hard working, single parents love the brief respite that a kid friendly entree can bring.
I am amazed how this small gesture helps develop and strengthen relationships with both students and parents. My personal goal is to be able to continue to offer this program to every income qualified student who attends Running Brook.
This program is entirely funded by private donations. I hope you will consider donating to the Running Brook Blessings in a Backpack Program. It costs a little more then $100 to feed a child for the entire school year but any amount is truly appreciated.
Right now anyone who sponsors a student for an entire year ($100 or more) will receive a Vera Bradley backpack! (While supplies last) You can get yours when you drop a check (made to to Blessings in a Backpack) off at Running Brook Elementary or donate directly on-line to the Running Brook Elementary School account, at: https://secure.givelively.org/…/running-broo…/bushy-park-pta. Please forward your confirmation to andrea_frank@hcpss.org and make arrangements to pick up your Thank You Vera Bradley Backpack!
We currently have Paisley, Butterfly or Grey Denim. They make great holiday gifts! Attached are pictures to help you make your decision.
Charges appear on your credit card statement as Blessings in a Backpack/Blackbaud Merchant Services.
We invite all donors to allow us to thank them publicly through our school newsletter, school functions and blasts to our community partners. We invite all corporate donors to be recognized formally though our HCPSS Partnership Program.
Warmest Regards,
Andrea Frank
Andrea_Frank@hcpss.org
Blessing in a Backpack Program Coordinator
Running Brook Elementary School"
Support our Girls On The Run (GOTR) Team
Please join us in cheering on the Bushy Park GOTR Team on December 7th at 8:30am. For details, please visit: https://www.gotrcentralmd.org.
OR
Register to run the 5K at: https://www.raceplanner.com/register/index/GOTRFall5k2019Howard.
FFN Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Night
STEM Night is Wednesday, December 4th, 6:45-8:30pm.
RSVP by December 2nd at: https://forms.gle/5V6YhHPunbFYv37j8.
Our Presentations thus far...
BLOOD: We will learn about what makes blood so special that we can't live without it! We will discuss the basic parts of blood, its major functions, and how it moves around our bodies.
CRYPTOWHEEL 101: This talk introduces younger students to the basics of substitution cryptography. Using a cipher wheel, students match separate alphabets to determine the ‘slide’ of the alphabet. Students are then challenged to solve a simple substitution cipher to put their new skills to the test.
MAKER SPACE: Visit Ms. Carey's "Maker Space" where you can create, explore, build, and program with a variety of materials.
MINDFULNESS: We will introduce the science of mindfulness and connection to health and brain science (neurology). How does our physical activity/posture/facial expressions effect our brain and moods?
PAINT WITH MATH: Create a masterpiece with Dr. Josh and GauGAN. Learn how finger painting and math come together to create a fun experience for all ages.
ROBOTIATORS 888: Come see a demonstration of Glenelg High School robotics team's latest inventions. Talk to high school students and learn how you can get involved.
FFN Winter Potluck with Damon Foreman
Make plans to bring your whole family to our winter potluck on Monday, December 9th, 6:30-8:30pm. We are thrilled to have Damon Foreman and other musical guests perform during our event. You don't want to miss this. Seriously. It's going to be amazing.
RSVP by December 4th at: http://evite.me/bCYtvzcc1E.
PLEASE NOTE: Please don't bring nuts or include them in your items. Additionally, we also ask that you list the ingredients of your dish on piece of paper. Thank you for your consideration.
If you have any questions, please email Randee Wilding at bpesptapres@gmail.com.
Online Fundraiser: Mabel's Labels
From Mabel's Labels:
"Our Holiday 2019 line just went live, and parents in your organization will love supporting your fundraiser by simply purchasing all their holiday wrapping and labeling products online through Mabel’s Labels.
Supporters of your fundraiser can go online to browse the adorable festive designs, customize them as they like, then receive everything in the mail, ready for use throughout the holiday season!"
- Visit http://campaigns.mabelslabels.com
- Enter "Bushy Park Elementary PTA"
- Shop
That's it! The PTA will receive 20% of all sales and you will know that your towels, lunch bags and water bottles will always be labeled!
This fundraiser will close at the end of December 2019.
Amount raised as of 11/27: $165.98
Number of orders as of 11/27: 16
Upcoming Events
November 2019
27 No school for students/Parent Teacher Conferences
28-29 No school for students
December 2019
4 FFN STEM Night 6:45-8:30pm
9 FFN Winter Potluck Dinner with Damon Foreman 6:30-8:30pm
18 PTA Meeting (in-person and conference call) 6:30-7:30pm
Website PTA Calendar: https://www.bushyparkpta.org/calendar
Facebook PTA Events: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BushyParkPTA/events/
Mt. Airy Children's Dental Associates
Rocky Brown, REALTOR®, The Wendy Slaughter Team of Elevate Real Estate Brokerage
Western Howard County (WHC) Youth Soccer
Western Howard County (WHC) Warhawks Football & Cheer
"Pumpkin-Spiced" Staff Membership Drawing
We're trying something different this month. Instead of there being one lucky staff member, there are three!
Congratulations to our November winners! They'll be waiting for you on your return, Monday, December 2nd!
Jennifer Lambros
- Fisher's Pumpkin Spice Carmel Popcorn
- Golden Girls Playing Cards
- Pumpkin Spiced Socks
- See's Orange Krispy
Jennifer Cherry
- See's Pumpkin Spice Lollipops
- Sketchbook, Colored Pencils & Sharpener
- Milk & Dark Chocolate Leaves
Karen Payne
- Fisher's Pumpkin Spice Carmel Popcorn
- Pumpkin Pie Truffles
- Bob Ross Finger Puppet
Bushy Park Elementary PTA
Our PTA is here to build a bridge between home and school, integrating the efforts of parents, teachers, staff and our community. It is an integral part of the Bushy Park community by offering many activities and programs to our families.
Our vision is simple. Lead with kindness and let everything follow.
Email: bpesptapres@gmail.com
Website: http://www.bushyparkpta.org
Location: 14601 Carrs Mill Rd, Glenwood, MD 21738
Phone: 410-313-5500
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BushyParkPTA/
Twitter: @hcpss_bpes